Around the campfire, it is about ratings not political passions
There is a strange autumnal tradition in Brisbane Airport which brings together a gaggle of photographers and journalists, a dozen or so minor British celebrities or their friends, anxious ITV producers and baffled Australian passengers. When I landed in 2017 as Kezia Dugdale’s adviser and friend, the question I was asked was: “Did you recommend she should do the show?”
The truth is that we discussed all the pros and cons – which is what Hancock’s confidantes have also said over the past week. The downsides are fairly obvious – anger within your own political party and possible suspension, a backlash from constituents and footage from repulsive trials that the internet will never forget.
The pros are the large fee, the extraordinary reach of one of the country’s most popular TV programmes, and the new platform it gives you. But using that platform to promote your own passions or causes is not easy.
The producers make lots of promises before you enter the jungle – which is why Hancock’s allies are talking up his campaign for people with dyslexia.
But the reality of this “reality” show is that, once you’re in the camp, you’re at the mercy of a team of producers.
Kez may have hoped for entertaining chats about politics, but she found most of the campmates weren’t interested.
One conversation about Jeremy Corbyn’s election prospects never made the cut. The producers were, understandably, far more interested in stories such as Amir Khan and Iain Lee secretly scoffing strawberries and cream.
Hancock will face similar challenges in the jungle.
This is a show obsessed with TV ratings, not political passions.